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Cathy Jacob's avatar

Moving story, Jenn. Alzheimer’s is a dreadful disease, but early onset is especially cruel. My Aunt began showing symptoms in her mid-forties and died at age 60. Heartbreaking. Thank you for sharing how you developed your taste for adventure. Childhood was so different then. We were so much freer to explore unsupervised. I have many wonderful memories of being outdoors as a young child.

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Jenn Woltjen's avatar

So sorry to hear about your Aunt. Back then, in the 1990's, we did not know much about the disease. It can be very frustrating for families. But my Mom definitely was an inspiration to me then and still is.

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Sam Alaimo's avatar

A beautiful ode, Jenn. There are nothing like moms and your mother sounds blessed.

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Jenn Woltjen's avatar

She was. I just remembered that 2025 is the 100th anniversary of the birth year of both my parents - who both died young. My Dad, a WWII Navy veteran died at age 42. He had a phenomenal memory and served in China decoding messages. He was an amazing person but died when I was only 9 years old so my memories of him are not as vivid.

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Sam Alaimo's avatar

That is amazing. I can only imagine his experiences... he was in the thick of it.

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Ali Lopez's avatar

What a lovely childhood and such an amazing supportive mom you had.... I'm sure the is smiling thinking of you continuing your love of adventure!

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Jenn Woltjen's avatar

Yes, it was definitely a grand time……been almost 30 years since she died but I still think of her a lot. Thank you Ali for your comments - means a lot to me.

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Jenn Woltjen's avatar

Neil - thank you for reading my story.....so long ago but still vivid.

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Laura Lollar's avatar

What a wonderful childhood you had! And I am so srry on the loss of your mom. Great post Jenn!

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Jenn Woltjen's avatar

I did have a wonderful childhood.......thank you for your positive remarks. Means a lot to me.

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Neil Barker's avatar

Thank you for sharing stories of your mother and growing up, Jenn.

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Sarah Lavender Smith's avatar

I'm sorry you lost your mom early; my mom's demential hit in her late-70s and she lived until 87. You're lucky you had a great role model in her, and that's so cool you did endurance riding on your horse. Horses are the best teachers!

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Jenn Woltjen's avatar

Thank you for your sweet words. So sorry your Mom also had this dreadful disease.....heartbreaking to see someone you love lose their memory. My Mom was my best supporter.....and I loved riding horses......in fact, I bought several more horses over the years in my 20's and 30's - and bred and raised them. A lot of work but so much fun.

Someday I need to get back on a horse.....and go for a trail ride.

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